Canterbury, New Zealand
Planting calendar for Timaru
Last frost around 26 September, first frost around 19 May: about 235 frost-free days.
- Last frost
- 26 September on average
- First frost
- 19 May on average
- Frost-free days
- 235 in a typical year
Southern hemisphere: spring sowing is September to November, and the main harvest runs December to April.
Sow now: November
See the whole yearThe year at a glance
When each crop can be sown in Timaru. Tap a crop for exact dates and when it’s ready to harvest.
Sow outdoorsSow under cover (a greenhouse or polytunnel)Months run July to June, so summer reads in one piece.
| Crop | JJul | AAug | SSep | OOct | NNov | DDec | JJan | FFeb | MMar | AApr | MMay | JJun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruiting | ||||||||||||
 Tomato | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Sow under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Chilli | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Sow under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Sweet pepper | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Sow under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow under cover | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Aubergine | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Sow under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Courgette | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Sow under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow under cover | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Cucumber | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Sow under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow under cover | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Squash | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Sow under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow under cover | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Sweetcorn | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow under cover | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
| Roots | ||||||||||||
 Carrot | July: Not this month | August: Sow under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow under cover | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Beetroot | July: Not this month | August: Sow under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow under cover | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Parsnip | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow under cover | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Radish | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow under cover | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Potato | July: Plant under cover | August: Plant outdoors and under cover | September: Plant outdoors and under cover | October: Plant outdoors and under cover | November: Plant under cover | December: Not this month | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Turnip | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow under cover | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
| Leaves | ||||||||||||
 Lettuce | July: Not this month | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow under cover | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Spinach | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow under cover | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Swiss chard | July: Not this month | August: Sow under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow under cover | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Rocket | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow under cover | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Celery | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
| Beans and peas | ||||||||||||
 Runner bean | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow under cover | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 French bean | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow under cover | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Broad bean | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Sow under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow outdoors and under cover | June: Sow under cover |
 Pea | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
| Onion family | ||||||||||||
 Onion | July: Plant under cover | August: Plant outdoors and under cover | September: Plant outdoors and under cover | October: Plant under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Garlic | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Plant under cover | April: Plant outdoors and under cover | May: Plant outdoors and under cover | June: Plant under cover |
 Leek | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow under cover | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Spring onion | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow under cover | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Shallot | July: Plant outdoors and under cover | August: Plant outdoors and under cover | September: Plant outdoors and under cover | October: Plant under cover | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
| Brassicas | ||||||||||||
 Cabbage | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow under cover | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Broccoli | July: Not this month | August: Sow under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow under cover | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Cauliflower | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Brussels sprout | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow under cover | December: Not this month | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Kale | July: Not this month | August: Sow under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow under cover | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Pak choi | July: Not this month | August: Sow under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow under cover | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
| Herbs | ||||||||||||
 Basil | July: Not this month | August: Not this month | September: Sow under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow under cover | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Parsley | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow under cover | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Coriander | July: Not this month | August: Sow under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow under cover | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Chives | July: Sow under cover | August: Sow outdoors and under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow under cover | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Mint | July: Not this month | August: Sow under cover | September: Sow outdoors and under cover | October: Sow outdoors and under cover | November: Sow outdoors and under cover | December: Sow outdoors and under cover | January: Sow outdoors and under cover | February: Sow outdoors and under cover | March: Sow outdoors and under cover | April: Sow outdoors and under cover | May: Sow under cover | June: Not this month |
| Fruit | ||||||||||||
 Strawberry | July: Plant under cover | August: Plant outdoors and under cover | September: Plant outdoors and under cover | October: Plant outdoors and under cover | November: Plant under cover | December: Not this month | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Not this month | May: Not this month | June: Not this month |
 Raspberry | July: Plant outdoors and under cover | August: Plant under cover | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Plant under cover | May: Plant outdoors and under cover | June: Plant outdoors and under cover |
 Rhubarb | July: Plant under cover | August: Not this month | September: Not this month | October: Not this month | November: Not this month | December: Not this month | January: Not this month | February: Not this month | March: Not this month | April: Plant outdoors and under cover | May: Plant outdoors and under cover | June: Plant outdoors and under cover |
Fruit rows show when to plant, not sow.
Crop by crop
Fruiting
TomatoOutdoors 31 Oct to 7 Dec; Under cover 3 Oct to 4 Jan
- Sow outdoors
- 31 Oct to 7 Dec
- Under cover
- 3 Oct to 4 Jan
- First harvest
- About 115 days after sowing. Sown on 31 October, ready around 23 February.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
ChilliOutdoors 30 Oct to 7 Dec; Under cover 2 Oct to 4 Jan
- Sow outdoors
- 30 Oct to 7 Dec
- Under cover
- 2 Oct to 4 Jan
- First harvest
- About 131 days after sowing. Sown on 30 October, ready around 10 March.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
Sweet pepperOutdoors 4 Nov to 15 Dec; Under cover 7 Oct to 12 Jan
- Sow outdoors
- 4 Nov to 15 Dec
- Under cover
- 7 Oct to 12 Jan
- First harvest
- About 125 days after sowing. Sown on 4 November, ready around 9 March.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
AubergineOutdoors 4 Nov to 7 Dec; Under cover 7 Oct to 4 Jan
- Sow outdoors
- 4 Nov to 7 Dec
- Under cover
- 7 Oct to 4 Jan
- First harvest
- About 128 days after sowing. Sown on 4 November, ready around 12 March.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
CourgetteOutdoors 30 Oct to 2 Jan; Under cover 2 Oct to 30 Jan
- Sow outdoors
- 30 Oct to 2 Jan
- Under cover
- 2 Oct to 30 Jan
- First harvest
- About 68 days after sowing. Sown on 30 October, ready around 6 January.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
CucumberOutdoors 30 Oct to 2 Jan; Under cover 2 Oct to 30 Jan
- Sow outdoors
- 30 Oct to 2 Jan
- Under cover
- 2 Oct to 30 Jan
- First harvest
- About 79 days after sowing. Sown on 30 October, ready around 17 January.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
SquashOutdoors 30 Oct to 15 Dec; Under cover 2 Oct to 12 Jan
- Sow outdoors
- 30 Oct to 15 Dec
- Under cover
- 2 Oct to 12 Jan
- First harvest
- About 116 days after sowing. Sown on 30 October, ready around 23 February.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 12°C or more, and no frost.
SweetcornOutdoors 25 Oct to 15 Dec; Under cover 27 Sep to 12 Jan
- Sow outdoors
- 25 Oct to 15 Dec
- Under cover
- 27 Sep to 12 Jan
- First harvest
- About 109 days after sowing. Sown on 25 October, ready around 11 February.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.
Roots
CarrotOutdoors 3 Sep to 26 Jan; Under cover 6 Aug to 23 Feb
- Sow outdoors
- 3 Sep to 26 Jan
- Under cover
- 6 Aug to 23 Feb
- First harvest
- About 107 days after sowing. Sown on 3 September, ready around 19 December.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
BeetrootOutdoors 3 Sep to 3 Feb; Under cover 6 Aug to 3 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 3 Sep to 3 Feb
- Under cover
- 6 Aug to 3 Mar
- First harvest
- About 74 days after sowing. Sown on 3 September, ready around 16 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
ParsnipOutdoors 19 Aug to 14 Nov; Under cover 22 Jul to 12 Dec
- Sow outdoors
- 19 Aug to 14 Nov
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 12 Dec
- First harvest
- About 138 days after sowing. Sown on 19 August, ready around 4 January.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
RadishOutdoors 19 Aug to 25 Mar; Under cover 22 Jul to 22 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 19 Aug to 25 Mar
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 22 Apr
- First harvest
- About 28 days after sowing. Sown on 19 August, ready around 16 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
PotatoOutdoors 19 Aug to 15 Oct; Under cover 22 Jul to 12 Nov
- Plant outdoors
- 19 Aug to 15 Oct
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 12 Nov
- First harvest
- About 105 days after planting. Planted on 19 August, ready around 2 December.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
TurnipOutdoors 19 Aug to 22 Feb; Under cover 22 Jul to 22 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 19 Aug to 22 Feb
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 22 Mar
- First harvest
- About 61 days after sowing. Sown on 19 August, ready around 19 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
Leaves
LettuceOutdoors 23 Aug to 17 Feb; Under cover 26 Jul to 17 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 23 Aug to 17 Feb
- Under cover
- 26 Jul to 17 Mar
- First harvest
- About 72 days after sowing. Sown on 23 August, ready around 3 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
SpinachOutdoors 19 Aug to 25 Mar; Under cover 22 Jul to 22 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 19 Aug to 25 Mar
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 22 Apr
- First harvest
- About 45 days after sowing. Sown on 19 August, ready around 3 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
Swiss chardOutdoors 3 Sep to 22 Feb; Under cover 6 Aug to 22 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 3 Sep to 22 Feb
- Under cover
- 6 Aug to 22 Mar
- First harvest
- About 63 days after sowing. Sown on 3 September, ready around 5 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
RocketOutdoors 19 Aug to 25 Mar; Under cover 22 Jul to 22 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 19 Aug to 25 Mar
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 22 Apr
- First harvest
- About 40 days after sowing. Sown on 19 August, ready around 28 September.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
CeleryOutdoors 7 Aug to 6 Oct; Under cover 10 Jul to 3 Nov
- Sow outdoors
- 7 Aug to 6 Oct
- Under cover
- 10 Jul to 3 Nov
- First harvest
- About 136 days after sowing. Sown on 7 August, ready around 21 December.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.
Beans and peas
Runner beanOutdoors 25 Oct to 2 Jan; Under cover 27 Sep to 30 Jan
- Sow outdoors
- 25 Oct to 2 Jan
- Under cover
- 27 Sep to 30 Jan
- First harvest
- About 100 days after sowing. Sown on 25 October, ready around 2 February.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.
French beanOutdoors 25 Oct to 1 Feb; Under cover 27 Sep to 1 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 25 Oct to 1 Feb
- Under cover
- 27 Sep to 1 Mar
- First harvest
- About 80 days after sowing. Sown on 25 October, ready around 13 January.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 11°C or more, and no frost.
Broad beanOutdoors 8 Apr to 27 May; Under cover 11 Mar to 24 Jun
- Sow outdoors
- 8 Apr to 27 May
- Under cover
- 11 Mar to 24 Jun
- First harvest
- About 220 days after sowing. Sown on 8 April, ready around 14 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
PeaOutdoors 19 Aug to 7 Dec; Under cover 22 Jul to 4 Jan
- Sow outdoors
- 19 Aug to 7 Dec
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 4 Jan
- First harvest
- About 83 days after sowing. Sown on 19 August, ready around 10 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
Onion family
OnionOutdoors 15 Aug to 5 Oct; Under cover 18 Jul to 2 Nov
- Plant outdoors
- 15 Aug to 5 Oct
- Under cover
- 18 Jul to 2 Nov
- First harvest
- About 148 days after planting. Planted on 15 August, ready around 10 January.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
GarlicOutdoors 8 Apr to 6 Jun; Under cover 11 Mar to 4 Jul
- Plant outdoors
- 8 Apr to 6 Jun
- Under cover
- 11 Mar to 4 Jul
- First harvest
- About 250 days after planting. Planted on 8 April, ready around 14 December.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
LeekOutdoors 19 Aug to 2 Jan; Under cover 22 Jul to 30 Jan
- Sow outdoors
- 19 Aug to 2 Jan
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 30 Jan
- First harvest
- About 159 days after sowing. Sown on 19 August, ready around 25 January.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
Spring onionOutdoors 7 Aug to 10 Mar; Under cover 10 Jul to 7 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 7 Aug to 10 Mar
- Under cover
- 10 Jul to 7 Apr
- First harvest
- About 70 days after sowing. Sown on 7 August, ready around 16 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.
ShallotOutdoors 23 Jul to 5 Oct; Under cover 25 Jun to 2 Nov
- Plant outdoors
- 23 Jul to 5 Oct
- Under cover
- 25 Jun to 2 Nov
- First harvest
- About 137 days after planting. Planted on 23 July, ready around 7 December.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 5°C.
Brassicas
CabbageOutdoors 19 Aug to 1 Feb; Under cover 22 Jul to 1 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 19 Aug to 1 Feb
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 1 Mar
- First harvest
- About 116 days after sowing. Sown on 19 August, ready around 13 December.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
BroccoliOutdoors 3 Sep to 2 Jan; Under cover 6 Aug to 30 Jan
- Sow outdoors
- 3 Sep to 2 Jan
- Under cover
- 6 Aug to 30 Jan
- First harvest
- About 96 days after sowing. Sown on 3 September, ready around 8 December.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
CauliflowerOutdoors 19 Aug to 7 Dec; Under cover 22 Jul to 4 Jan
- Sow outdoors
- 19 Aug to 7 Dec
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 4 Jan
- First harvest
- About 127 days after sowing. Sown on 19 August, ready around 24 December.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C; bolts in hot weather.
Brussels sproutOutdoors 19 Aug to 22 Oct; Under cover 22 Jul to 19 Nov
- Sow outdoors
- 19 Aug to 22 Oct
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 19 Nov
- First harvest
- About 186 days after sowing. Sown on 19 August, ready around 21 February.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
KaleOutdoors 3 Sep to 1 Feb; Under cover 6 Aug to 1 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 3 Sep to 1 Feb
- Under cover
- 6 Aug to 1 Mar
- First harvest
- About 85 days after sowing. Sown on 3 September, ready around 27 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
Pak choiOutdoors 17 Sep to 10 Mar; Under cover 20 Aug to 7 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 17 Sep to 10 Mar
- Under cover
- 20 Aug to 7 Apr
- First harvest
- About 48 days after sowing. Sown on 17 September, ready around 4 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 8°C; bolts in hot weather.
Herbs
BasilOutdoors 26 Sep to 1 Feb; Under cover 29 Aug to 1 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 26 Sep to 1 Feb
- Under cover
- 29 Aug to 1 Mar
- First harvest
- About 70 days after sowing. Sown on 26 September, ready around 5 December.
- Warmth
- Tender: needs days averaging 8°C or more, and no frost.
ParsleyOutdoors 19 Aug to 22 Feb; Under cover 22 Jul to 22 Mar
- Sow outdoors
- 19 Aug to 22 Feb
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 22 Mar
- First harvest
- About 77 days after sowing. Sown on 19 August, ready around 4 November.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
CorianderOutdoors 3 Sep to 10 Mar; Under cover 6 Aug to 7 Apr
- Sow outdoors
- 3 Sep to 10 Mar
- Under cover
- 6 Aug to 7 Apr
- First harvest
- About 52 days after sowing. Sown on 3 September, ready around 25 October.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C; bolts in hot weather.
ChivesOutdoors 19 Aug to 14 Nov; Under cover 22 Jul to 12 Dec
- Sow outdoors
- 19 Aug to 14 Nov
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 12 Dec
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
MintOutdoors 3 Sep to 10 Apr; Under cover 6 Aug to 8 May
- Sow outdoors
- 3 Sep to 10 Apr
- Under cover
- 6 Aug to 8 May
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 7°C.
Fruit
StrawberryOutdoors 19 Aug to 22 Oct; Under cover 22 Jul to 19 Nov
- Plant outdoors
- 19 Aug to 22 Oct
- Under cover
- 22 Jul to 19 Nov
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: grows once days average 6°C.
RaspberryOutdoors 10 May to 11 Jul; Under cover 12 Apr to 8 Aug
- Plant outdoors
- 10 May to 11 Jul
- Under cover
- 12 Apr to 8 Aug
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
RhubarbOutdoors 23 Apr to 21 Jun; Under cover 26 Mar to 19 Jul
- Plant outdoors
- 23 Apr to 21 Jun
- Under cover
- 26 Mar to 19 Jul
- First harvest
- Crops every year once it’s established.
- Warmth
- Hardy: goes in as the weather cools, and grows on through winter.
Questions about growing in Timaru
When is the last frost in Timaru?
On average around 26 September, and the first autumn frost comes around 19 May. In a cold spring a frost can come a week or two late, so tender plants are safest out a week after the date.
Can I grow tomatoes outdoors in Timaru?
Yes. Plant them outdoors 31 Oct to 7 Dec, or under cover 3 Oct to 4 Jan.
What can I sow in Timaru in November?
Outdoors: tomato, chilli, sweet pepper, aubergine, courgette, cucumber, squash, sweetcorn, carrot, beetroot, parsnip, radish, turnip, lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, rocket, runner bean, French bean, pea, leek, spring onion, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, pak choi, basil, parsley, coriander, chives, mint. Under cover: potato, Brussels sprout, strawberry.
How accurate are these dates?
They’re worked out from 30 years of climate data for this spot, adjusted for its height, so they’re a good guide for a typical year. Check the forecast before planting out anything tender.
Get these dates as reminders
Bia turns this calendar into a nudge when it’s time to sow, plant out and harvest, for your plot in Timaru. Free for 2 months.
App StoreComing soonHow these dates are worked out: climate records for this spot (ERA5-Land, 1995 to 2024), the local frost dates and the height above sea level turn a seed-packet date into a local one. Contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information; towns from GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). How sowing dates work